TITLE:
Two cases of venous sinus thrombosis in women taking the oral contraceptive pill, Yaz (dropirenone/ ethinyl estradiol), and review of the literature
AUTHORS:
Margaret A. Riordan, Eric M. Deshaies
KEYWORDS:
Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis; Oral Contraceptives; Stroke; Thrombolytic Therapy
JOURNAL NAME:
Health,
Vol.5 No.7D,
July
18,
2013
ABSTRACT:
Cerebral venous sinus
thrombosis (CVT) is a rare cause of stroke and the clinical presentation is
variable, thus mimicking other neurologic pathologies. One of the more common
acquired risk factors of venous sinus thrombosis is oral contraceptive
medications such as Yaz. While the prognosis for CVT is favorable, it is important to identify and treat early to prevent neurologic deficits. We report
two cases of young female patients who presented with sinus thrombosis and
review the current literature on this topic. CVT accounts for 0.5% of strokes
and most commonly presents with headaches and in many cases focal neurologic
deficits. Diagnosis is confirmed with
neuroimaging including CT angiography or MR angiography. Treatment consists of anticoagulation and in some cases, thrombolytic therapy is beneficial.
The overall prognosis of CVT is favorable but, further research is needed to
outline optimal treatment options including the duration of anticoagulation
therapy and the role of thrombolytic therapy to prevent serious neurologic
deficits.